Students

The DeGroote Mentor Program (DMP) is an initiative that matches current students with alumni or community business partners based upon mutual interests and objectives.

Objectives of the program are to provide students with a mentor who will act as an advisor for students’ questions, provide additional academic and career guidance to students, and increasing alumni involvement within the DeGroote community.

Who is eligible to participate?

Level II, III, and IV full-time Commerce students

First and second year MBA Full-time, Accelerated or Co-op students

Master of Finance students

What are the benefits of participating in the DMP?

The relationship you create with your mentor is dependent upon your level of engagement and ultimate commitment to the program. Here are just a few of the benefits to participating:

Career Development: Your mentor can act as an additional resource for career advice and industry information especially if you are unsure about the career path you would like to pursue.

Networking Opportunity: Connect with industry professionals and learn from their experiences – mentors have been in your shoes and have had to make many education and career related decisions; learn about the steps they took to attain their current position.

Personal Branding: Gain insight on how to present your unique skills and competencies through resume-enhancing activities and interview preparation.

Experiential Learning: All DMP mentors are eager to share their experiences with you – participating in this program would provide you with valuable knowledge and tools for future career success.

How to Apply:

Agree to the Student Code of Conduct and complete the online application form.

The DeGroote Mentor Program is a 12-month commitment; applications must be submitted no later than September 30 (for fall term matches), January 31 (for winter term matches), and May 31 (for summer term matches). Matches will be made no later than three weeks following the application deadline.

Once the online form has been submitted, you will receive an automated email response confirming that your application has been received

The Matching Process:

Upon receiving a completed DMP application, SE-CPD will review your preferences and goals. A mentor that best matches your profile will then be identified.

Once the match is complete you will receive an email from SE-CPD with your mentor’s information. This will include your mentor’s name, contact details, time commitment and preferred method of communication.

Once matched, you are expected to contact your mentor within five business days.

Initiating contact with a mentor should only take one phone call or email, depending on the mentor’s preferred method of communication (contact information will be given to you in the match email).

NOTE: Each student participant will only be matched with one mentor throughout their 12-month participation in the DeGroote Mentor Program. Multiple mentors will not be assigned.

DeGroote Mentor Program – FAQs

How much contact will I have with my Mentor? The degree of contact between you and your Mentor is mutually determined. A mentoring relationship usually involves multiple meetings and conversations for a strong relationship to be cultivated. At a minimum, we ask that mentors be willing to commit one hour per month to the DeGroote Mentor Program.

How much contact will I have with SE-CPD during the duration of the program? SE-CPD will be contacting you from time to time with additional resources that will help support your mentoring relationship. There will also be an interim progress report where you will be able to provide SE-CPD with an update of your experience and feedback on the program. Additionally, there will be a final evaluation process for both you and your mentor to ensure the continued improvement of the program.

Is there anything else I should know about the DeGroote Mentor Program? Mentors who have volunteered for the DeGroote Mentor Program want to share their experiences and knowledge and should not be solicited directly for employment. While resume critiquing, internships, job shadowing, and informational interviewing are possible outcomes of a student/mentor relationship, they cannot be guaranteed and should not be expected.

Before you contact your mentor, be sure to consider your level of commitment to the program. Also, please note that all conversations and/or meetings with your mentor should be conducted in a professional manner.

Who can I talk to if I have additional questions? The Student Experience – Career and Professional Development team is happy to answer any questions about the DeGroote Mentor Program. Contact us at 905-525-9140 ext. 27759, or by email at dmp@mcmaster.ca.